Aromatic Love

Chapter 2 - The Flames Rise

Céline could hardly believe herself. Of course, she had believed that Louis loved her, she wouldn't have asked him about it if she didn't. So why had she been so shocked when he said those words to her? Her reaction had been so panicked, despite her calm demeanor while doing it. She felt so embarrassed. Now it just seemed like she was buying herself time, stalling as if she was just trying to play with Louis' feelings. He didn't deserve that. He was far too kind to her.

She shook her head in frustration as she paced back and forth in her tent. Should she apologize? What would she even say after she did that? Come to think of it, she was so caught up in whether or not Louis loved her that she never stopped to consider how she truly felt about him. Did she love him back? Now that was a silly question. She had waited with anticipation for his answer after she asked Louis if he loved her. That anticipation and the beating of her heart... it all pointed to how badly she had hoped he would say yes. She had been so focused on his love for her that she had never truly realized how much she loved him in return.

So, she wouldn't turn back now. She wouldn't apologize. She would make this all look perfectly... intentional. Their meeting tonight would be truly special, a moment that would be all their own. But for that to happen they would need to be completely alone, and as things stood, there was just one person in her way. She gently caressed the ring on her finger, and sensing a desire for her presence, Celica appeared, hovering in the air before her.

"Celica, I'm going to need some time alone tonight," Céline told the Valentian princess.

"Oh? Is something the matter?" Celica asked in reply.

"No I'm just... having some company over," Céline quickly replied.

Perhaps a little too quickly.

"Company? Here? Just the two of you?" Celica asked, a look of surprise flashing across her face.

"I-I never said it was just two of us!" Céline exclaimed, stammering in shock at Celica's rapid identification of the situation.

"Oh please. Company in your tent at night without me around? There's only one thing that could be," Celica said with a knowing smile.

"Regardless, I'll be giving you to Chloé, my retainer for the time being. Please help her if she needs anything," Céline said, recovering her composure.

"As you wish," Celica said with a bow before disappearing into the ring.

Céline sighed with relief as the princess went away for the time being. She couldn't believe how obvious this whole situation was to an outsider. Chloé would figure it out too, without a doubt. The way Celica had phrased things made it seem like her and Louis would really go all the way tonight. She hadn't really been considering it, but the thought was exhilarating to her. Royalty wasn't really supposed to engage in such acts unless it was for the sake of bringing about an heir. But out here at an encampment instead of the castle, anyone who would scold her about impropriety was far, far away. This was her best chance if she was going to do it at all.

Taking her ring off, she grasped it in the palm of her hand and set out to find Chloé. The Pegasus stalls were always a safe bet when she needed to find her loyal retainer, and after a short walk, the bet paid off. However, it wasn't just her retainer that was there taking care of the pegasi. Etie was there too. Céline had hoped to deal with this without any other outside interference, but it was too late now. The two women had already noticed her. Trying to remain calm and composed, she approached her retainer with the ring in her hand.

"Good afternoon Céline," Chloé said, greeting Céline politely, "Is there something I can do for you?"

"Yes, there is. Something quite important actually. I need you to take care of my Emblem ring until tomorrow," Céline replied, holding out her hand to reveal the beautifully crafted ring resting in her palm.

"Your Emblem ring? Why would you entrust that to me? Is something wrong?" Chloé asked.

Céline probably should've expected this. She had never parted with her ring before now, and everyone in the army knew just how important they were. To suddenly ask her retainer to take it away from her was certainly an extreme move for something as casual as meeting with someone in a tent.

"Oh no, nothing dire is happening, I just want some time alone tonight. Without Celica," Céline said.

Etie raised an eyebrow.

"Alone? This is the first time in the entire war you've needed to be left alone, even by Celica. She doesn't bother you unless you want her to," Chloé pointed out, "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?"

Céline sighed. She was no master of deception, but Chloé was even more perceptive than she had imagined. She didn't want her retainer to worry about her, but she also didn't want her to find out what she was doing, especially in front of Etie.

"I-I'm having company over," Céline admitted.

"Privately? That sounds... exciting," Chloé said with a playful glint in her eye, "It wouldn't happen to be Louis, would it?"

Céline's face went red. Just how much did Chloé know? Surely, she hadn't figured that out for herself. Did Louis tell her? As her head raced, she tried to force out some kind of dignified response to "save" the situation, but Chloé's smile just grew wider.

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with us. You should take some time to prepare yourself, so don't let us hold you up. Celica will be safe with me," Chloé assured her.

"Right," Céline said, nodding and turning to leave.

Now Chloé and Etie both knew. Could that have gone any worse? Chloé had accepted things as they were. At least she had that going for her. Etie on the other hand had been uncharacteristically quiet. It unnerved Céline. Then again, what did it matter? She loved Louis, so there was no point in trying to hide it or be deceptive. She had always disliked keeping up appearances for the sake of appearing more royal and dignified. She clenched her fist with a newfound determination. She was going to make this the best night of Louis' life, and she didn't care who knew about it.